Meet Sarah…

 A familiar face at Dougie Mac, IPS Administrator Sarah Clarke is one of the hospice’s longest-serving members of staff having previously worked in Community Records and as a Ward Clerk.

During her 30 years working for the charity, Sarah, 59, has seen many changes within the hospice. As well as her professional connection to Dougie Mac, Sarah has also experienced the hospice from a personal point of view after both her parents were looked after by Dougie Mac nurses.

Sarah, a mum-of-two who also teaches fitness classes in her spare time, said: “My mum and dad were in Dougie Mac, so I have seen the care from both sides – as a member of staff and as a relative. My dad had heart failure and spent the last four months of his life being cared for by Dougie Mac before he died in 2018 aged 85. It was a very difficult and stressful time for the family.

“Mum was doing OK, trying to cope without Dad, but was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Last September she was feeling unwell and feverish and was admitted to A&E. She was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer with liver metastases and was referred to Dougie Mac where she spent 10 days before her death in October 2024 also aged 85.

“From working in the hospice as a professional, I then became a relative caring for a loved one being given palliative care and so I saw the other side of what Dougie Mac do.

“I was on annual leave and visiting mum one day. One of the nurses – Carol Lane who I have always called my work sister – was gently feeding my mum soup. That care and attention still makes me cry now. It’s the little things you remember.

“All the staff were serene and calm in what was a stressful situation and dealt with my mum with dignity – it was amazing to see. Working here for so long, everyone knows me but, in that moment, when I was grieving, they all treated me as they would any other relative losing a loved one. They were very respectful.

“I’ve always known the nursing staff do a fabulous job but to see it from the ‘other side’ was amazing.”